BJ Burke of Q104 to undergo 2nd bone marrow transplant

Prominent Halifax broadcaster has been battling Hodgkin's lymphoma for past 5 years

After going into remission twice, BJ Burke prepares for his third battle with cancer. (CBC)

BJ Burke is hoping the third time is the charm.

The prominent Halifax broadcaster is preparing to undergo a bone marrow transplant for the second time after he was told that his cancer had come back for a third time.

Burke, who recently turned 50, has been battling Hodgkin's lymphoma for almost five years. (CBC)

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Burke, who recently turned 50, has been battling Hodgkin's lymphoma for almost five years. The cancer went into remission for 22 months after a series of treatments but later came back.

“They say three strikes and you’re out, but I'm hoping not because we going to go with another transplant from another donor and hopefully this time things will take,” he said.

“Sometimes you gotta take a few swings before they get it right and I'm just thankful that we have the opportunity to go and have another kick at this.”

Burke is not fighting his battle alone. His wife Lydia, who met Burke when they were teens, said the journey has made every moment precious.

"[His illness] has intensified things I think. All the wondering, what's next? What's around the corner for us? We've had a long relationship since we were 16, 17 years old," she said.

Burke admits there have been dark days, but he is fighting to stay positive. He joked that this attitude is like Q104’s morning rock jock and has served him well.

“I see my daughter, you know you have to put everything into perspective. It makes you come around, and you have to really deal with things emotionally and physically and it's not easy I'll tell you that. I can understand why people can give up, but I've certainly been given no reason to give up yet,” he said.

For now, Burke is waiting for the results of his latest scan and a date for the next transplant. By sharing his story publicly, Burke said he hopes he can convince people to donate blood, become marrow donors and see a doctor for regular checkups.